Power Only Earnings in Montana
How much can power only owner-operators earn in Montana (MT)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Mountain West region.
Power Only Earnings Overview — Montana
Rate Per Mile
$1.87
+10.0% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$18,700
+29.4% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,962
After COL-adjusted expenses
Montana vs National Average
| Metric | Montana | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $1.87 | $1.70 | +10.0% |
| Gross Monthly | $18,700 | $14,450 | +29.4% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,962 | $9,393 | +16.7% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 27.75c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Montana
Montana has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Power Only rates of $1.87/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making MT a balanced market for power only owner-operators.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,992 | 16.0% |
| Insurance | $748 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.6% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $748 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.6% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 4.3% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,738 | 41.4% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,962 | 58.6% |
Expenses adjusted for Montana's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Montana
Montana's fuel tax of 27.75 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving power only carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $64/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, MT offers solid margin potential.
Top Power Only Lanes from Montana
Power Only Earnings — Montana vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $1.87 | $18,700 | 27.75c |
| Colorado (CO) | $1.96 | $19,600 | 22.0c |
| Idaho (ID) | $1.87 | $18,700 | 33.0c |
| Utah (UT) | $1.95 | $19,500 | 31.9c |
| Wyoming (WY) | $1.76 | $17,600 | 24.0c |
Maximize Your Power Only Earnings in Montana
A good dispatch service works on the three levers that move your per-mile rate: load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.
Power Only Earnings in Montana — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these power only numbers in Montana?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying power only lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.